84th Annual Social Services Institute “Extreme Makeover: DSS Edition” October 12-14 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center in Hickory, NC For More Details Visit www.ncacdss.org!
Discover the History of Hickory, NC (According to the Wikipedia): In the 1790s, a tavern was built in the northwest section of Catawba county. This area became known as Hickory Tavern. This name remained intact for almost 100 years. The city of Hickory was established in 1870. Over 34,000 people reside in this city today. Hickory is the economic, social, and cultural center of the Catawba Valley. As the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1998 Money Magazine's "most livable place to live" (ranked 16th among medium-sized southern cities) and twice-named an "All American City," Hickory continues to attract tourists, families, and industries to this part of the state. Hickory was also known as "The Furniture Manufacturing Capital of the World" until recently as most plants have closed or moved production oversea's. Though it still retains the title as the "birthplace" of duct tape, originally invented during WWII at Shuford Mills as sealant for burst pipes in submarines the company has sinced changed it's name to Shur-Tape Technologies offering a wide variety of adhesives. Hickory is also home to racing legend Dale Jarrett UPS #88, winner of the 1999 Winston Cup Championship. Hickory made national headlines in 2002 after a rainstorm created one of the largest sinkholes ever, it also swallowed a brand new Corvette in the process. The sinkhole occurred in the parking lot of Buffalo's restaurant, the city inspector deemed the building unsafe and the owners closed to do extensive and expensive repair work to the parking lot and building, the restaurant closed within months of reopening. Discover Your Forte in Hickory (Information below has been provided by discoverourtown.com): Historic Homes & Buildings Maple Grove (circa 1883) 5462 Second Street Northwest, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-322-4731, Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully restored Italianate style house built is filled with many authentic Victorian furnishings. Self-guided tours are available, as well as guided tours by appointment. Propst House (circa 1883) 547 Sixth Street Northwest, Hickory, NC 28602, Shuford Memorial Gardens, 828322-4731, Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautiful Second Empire style, master craftsman's home was referred to as a "Victorian gem" by House Beautiful Magazine. The house is open on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as at other times by appointment. Museums & Galleries Museums & Galleries Gallery Z 214 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28603, Union Square Downtown Hickory, 828-322-5200, Historical downtown building featured on Home & Garden Television in December 2004. This newly renovated space houses orginal art from four local artists. Tour the working studios of the artist while enjoying the buildings unique character. Hickory Museum of Art 243 Third Avenue Northeast, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-327-8567, One of North Carolina's oldest museums, this museum was established in 1944 and features a permanent collection of over 1,200 works of art including 19th century landscapes, American art pottery, regional folk art, and contemporary art glass. Many classes, films, and programs are available.
Parks, Gardens & Zoos Parks, Gardens, & Zoos Glenn Hilton, Jr. Memorial Park 2000 Sixth Street, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-322-7046, This large park includes a picnic shelter with tables and grills, fitness and nature trails, canoe access, playground equipment, a gazebo, and horseshoe pits. Ivey Arboretum in Carolina Park, The Adjacent to downtown Hickory on NC 127 North, 828-323-7500, A collection of over 400 labeled species of native and rare trees and shrubs are located within this beautiful three acre park. The Arboretum was founded in 1936 and the historic Carolina Park was founded in 1904. Self-guided and guided tours available. Winkler Park 2500 Clement Boulevard, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-322-7046, Visitors can enjoy fitness and nature trails, horseshoe pits, a children's playground, and a picnic shelter with tables and grill while at this park. DINING Dining - Locally Operated 1859 Cafe 443 Second Avenue Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, Beside Wilson Florist, 828-322-1859, You'll have an unforgettable dining experience at this elegant restaurant that offers an array of fine American cuisine and appetizers in a casual atmosphere. They are open Monday through Saturday for dinner only; closed on Sundays. Reservations are suggested. Cafe 2 Forty 2 242 Eleventh Avenue Northeast, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-324-2005, Specializing in New American cuisine, this restaurant freshly prepares all of their dishes on a wood-burning oven or on the grill. They are open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner and open on Saturday for dinner only; closed on Sundays. Garden Cafe, The 403 Highway 70 Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-324-2232, Enjoy deliciously prepared entrees, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and croissants at this cafe that is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner and open on Sunday for lunch only. They are closed on Mondays. Giovanni's 2601 North Center Street, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-322-8277, The best Italian cuisine in Hickory is served at this restaurant that has appetizers, salads, calzones, pastas, sandwiches, pizzas, and much more on their menu. They are open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner and open on Saturday for dinner only; closed on Sundays. Kobe Japanese 1103 Thirteenth Avenue Drive Southeast, Hickory, NC 28602, Next to Comfort Suites, 828328-5688, This award-winning Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar offers a wide variety of delicious Japanese cuisine and specialties and are open daily for lunch and dinner. Olde Hickory Tap Room 222 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-322-1965, Proudly serving the very best and freshest beers from North Carolina, this brewpub also serves a very fine selection of food, fine handcrafted and imported beers, and the largest selection of fine single malts and fine liquors in town. They are open daily for lunch and dinner. Peddler Steak House 1180 Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard Southeast, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-261-0401, Open
nightly for dinner, this fine dining restaurant was established in 1969 and serves the finest aged beef and fresh seafood in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Dining - Regional & Franchised Bennett's Smokehouse & Saloon 1819 Fairgrove Church Road, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-464-6967, For the best barbecue, steaks, ribs, and chicken in town, visit this restaurant that is open daily for lunch and dinner and features a rustic look with a Western theme. A huge soup and salad bar is also featured and catering services are available. Dining - Caribbean Island Style Restaurant 206 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-327-9300, Enjoy authentic Jamaican cuisine at this caribbean style restaurant. Coffee Shops Drips' Coffeehouse 256 First Avenue Northwest, Hickory, NC 28612, 828-324-1644, Drips' is Hickory's only full-service restaurant & coffeehouse serving top quality coffees, desserts, & food as well as hosting fine musicians from all over the country each Thursday, Friday, & Saturday night in the only non-smoking, alcoholfree music venue in town. Specialty Shopping - Art Artful Living 2220 Highway 70 Southeast, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-328-9500, A large resource for unique and reproduction artwork. Hodge's Pottery 8112 West Highway 10, Hickory, NC 28168, Vale, 704-462-1411, Owned by Southern folk artist Albert Hodge, this gallery showcases his unique displays of over 200 styles of pottery including flower and fruit pieces, animal characters, lighthouses, and holiday pieces. Julia Rush Fine Crafts 216 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-324-0409, Representing over 200 craftspeople, this gallery of contemporary American and world crafts offers a wide selection of beautiful items such as jewelry, stained and blown glass, pottery, wind chimes, and metal sculptures. Specialty Shopping - Furniture Alman's Home Furnishings 110 East First Street, Hickory, NC 28658, Newton, 828-464-3204, Family owned and operated since 1946, this full service furniture store features over 20,000 square feet of high quality furniture from over 200 manufacturers at discount prices. Bonita Furniture Galleries 210 Thirteenth Avenue Drive Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-324-1992, Browse through a great selection of famous furniture brands at this elegant furniture store that offers exquisite living room, dining room, and bedroom furniture, as well as lamps and accessories, at discount prices. Furniture Clearance Center, The 66 Highway 321, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-323-1558, Name brands such as Craftique, Athens, Spring Air, Drextel Heritage, Entre LaBarge, and Southern Furniture are available at this furniture center. Furniture Collections 3197 NC Highway 127 South, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-294-3593, This large furniture store offers a wide selection of fine, high quality furniture from top, name brand manufacturers with all
furniture up to 60% off. A very beautiful baby furniture gallery is also on site. Furniture Shoppe, The 3351 Hickory Boulevard, Hickory, NC 28638, Hudson, 828-369-1942, All types of furniture, accessories, and bedding are available at this furniture store that features solid wood bedroom and dining room by Kincaid, Canal Dover, Craftique, Keller, Kimball, Mobel, and Brady. Hudson Discount Furniture 940 Highland Avenue Northeast, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-322-4996, Family owned and operated furniture store that features a 30,000 square foot showroom stocked with high quality furniture such as bedroom and dining room sets, dinettes, entertainment centers, and sleeper sofas. They are also one of the largest Sealy Bedding dealers in Western North Carolina. Hunt Galleries 2920 Highway 127 North, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-324-9934, An extensive collection of name brand home furnishings at discount prices is available at this large furniture store that has over 50 years of experience and specializes in prompt and personal service. Mackie Furniture Company 13 North Main Street, Hickory, NC 28630, Granite Falls, 828-396-3313, Founded in 1916, this furniture manufacturer specializes in living room, dining room, bedroom, and occasional furniture and accessories for the home. Thomas Home Furnishings 4346 Hickory Boulevard, Hickory, NC 28630, Granite Falls, 828-396-2147, This furniture company represents hundreds of manufacturers and offers a wide selection of home and professional office furniture, as well as lovely accessories, with shipping available. Triplett's Furniture Fashions 2084 Hickory Boulevard, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-728-8211, "Specializing in Solid Wood Furniture and Fine Upholstery," this furniture store has been in business since 1963 and has a reputation for treating customers in a helpful, professional, and friendly manner. Watson's Furniture House 1210 Second Avenue Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-322-7930, This 18,000 square foot furniture warehouse offers a mix of all types of unusual and unique name brand furniture at discounted prices. Specialty Shopping - Home & Decorative Accessories Sally Company, The 234 Third Avenue Northwest, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-328-3895, Specializing in the alternative, this unique shop is located in a 1915 carriage house and offers an array of original flower designs, a complete line of homes for small birds, custom art work, place mats, and much more. Home consultation services are available. Shade Parlor, The 264 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-322-1718, Offering the latest in lamps, shades, and accessories, this unique specialty store carries thousands of lamps and lamp shades, as well as an unusual selection of antique lamps. Custom lamp building and lamp repair services are available. Shopping Area Catawba Furniture Mall 377 Highway 70 Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-324-9701, 800-789-0686, Discover a world of furniture shopping at this 350,000 square feet furniture mall that offers a wide range of discount furniture from 700 manufacturers, as well as home accessories and unique specialty shops.
Hickory Furniture Mart 2220 Highway 70 Southeast, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-322-3510, The largest of its kind in the nation, this 20 acre complex is the area's biggest tourist attraction and one of North Carolina's top visitor destinations. The finest of North Carolina furniture, as well as select furnishings and accessories from all over the world, is available and the mart features factory outlets, galleries, and showrooms offering over 1,000 lines of furniture and home accessories. Valley Hills Mall 1960 Highway 70 Southeast, Hickory, NC 28602, 828-328-2436, The largest regional shopping mall in the area between Asheville and Charlotte, this shopping area is anchored by J.C. Penney, Sears, Dillards, and Belk and includes over 75 fine name brand stores and a food court that includes an antique style carousel. Sporting Goods Berndt's 117 Government Avenue Southwest, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-322-1222, A full line of skiing, snowboarding, camping, outerwear, and boots is available at this sporting goods store that is the oldest locally owned outdoor store in Hickory, established in 1946. A pawn shop is also on site that offers an array of jewelry and electronics. Hometown Sports of Hickory 26 Second Street Northwest, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-328-5665, A great sporting goods store for all interests, this full service store offers an extensive selection of skis, snowboards, and roller blades, as well as a full line of exercise equipment and workout clothing. Wine, Spirits & Accessories Cornerstone Wine & Gift Shop 377 Highway 70 Southwest, Hickory, NC 28602, Located at the Catawba Furniture Mall, 828-328-9463, Full service wine shop that offers wine from all over the world, champagne, and port, and unique gifts, home accents, and furnishings. Hickory Wine Shoppe 238 Union Square, Hickory, NC 28601, 828-324-4441, One of the best selections of wine and beer in North Carolina is available at this beautiful and functional wine shop that also offers custom made gift baskets and wine accessories. Wine tastings are scheduled on some evenings.